how do Spray tans work?

Spray tanning involves applying an active ingredient, DHA or dihydroxyacetone, to your skin using a specialist low pressure spray tan machine.
DHA is a sunless tanning agent and is the most popular way of achieving a natural looking tan without being exposed to the harmful UV rays of the Sun and is approved by the FDA for sunless tanning. DHA is a simple carbohydrate which is often derived from plant sources such as sugar cane and sugar beets. DHA is not absorbed into the body and poses no possibility of toxicity.

DHA does not make your skin cells darker in pigmentation, but rather reacts with the proteins and amino acids found in the top layer of the skin. This process is similar to what occurs when you slice open an apple and the surface of the apple browns when its exposed to oxygen in the air. The development of color takes anywhere between 2 to 8 hours and the intensity of the color is dependent upon the DHA concentration in the solution as well as each tanner’s individual skin characteristics. The color developed by the DHA usually lasts 7-10 days and begins to fade as the top layer of the skin naturally exfoliates.

How LONG does a spray tan last?

The duration of a spray tan can vary depending on several factors, such as individual skin type and proper aftercare. The luxury solutions we use at Baltic Bronze are water or aloe based therefore we generally see that our spray tans last anywhere between 7-10 days.

How do i prepare for a spray tan?

To prepare for your spray tan please see our pre-tan checklist.

what should i wear during my spray tan?

Clothing and tan lines are optional at Baltic Bronze but we do provide you with a disposable hairnet and thongs. You can also wear your own undergarments or bathing suit. Whatever your comfortable in, we are comfortable with!

Some of our younger clients and competition dancers prefer to wear a strapless tube top or adhesive bra pedals if their costume has an open back, these can be found at Target or Amazon.

when should i get my spray tan?

We recommend getting your spray tan 1-2 days prior for an event and 1 day prior for a vacation.

For Brides we always recommend getting a trial tan 2+ weeks before your wedding day to make sure the color is just right and your wedding tan 2 days prior to the wedding day.

can i still go swimming or to the beach/spa with my spray tan?

We recommend avoiding these activities for the first 48 hours following your spray tan. It is important to remember that prolonged exposure to chlorinated water or saltwater can affect the longevity of the spray tan. Heated spas are an absolute no-no while you have your spray tan as the chemicals and heat can increase the rate in which the skin exfoliates causing the tan to wear and fade rapidly.

will a spray tan protect me from the sun?

No, spray tanning does not provide any protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. It is still necessary to apply SPF lotions when in the sun. Avoid aerosol spray sunscreens as they often contain alcohol which can strip the spray tan. For best results we recommend using Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Lotion, Sun Bum Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion, Coola Sun, Alba Botanica, Elta MD UV Clear SPF 46 Face.

what is the difference between gradual Rinse and Express Rinse solutions?

Spray tan formulas use an active ingredient called DHA, the higher the concentration of the DHA the faster you can see the results of your spray tan.

Express tan solutions have a higher concentration of DHA therefore you can do your first rinse between 2-8 hours depending on your desired level of color. For a Light 2-3 hours, Medium 4-5 hours, dark 6 hours and deep dark 8+ hours. Pros are the quicker rinse time is convenient if you have last minute plans or do not have time to wait 12-24 hours to rinse.

Gradual rinse time solutions have a lower concentration of DHA therefore you need to wear for a period of 12-24 hours or overnight before being rinsed off. The main advantage of the gradual rinse solutions are the longevity of your result.

Will the bronzers from my spray tan stain my clothes and sheets?

All spray tan solutions contain a certain amount of cosmetic bronzers that wash off during your first rinse. Some of this bronze color may rub off on your clothing when you are getting dressed immediately after your spray tan. To minimize this we recommend wearing loose fitting, dark clothes after your spray tan session.

Also you should try to refrain from sweating until after you shower and rinse off the cosmetic bronzers. Excessive sweating during the first 24 hours after your spray tan can cause the tan not to develop properly and to appear streaky, patchy or uneven.

If you are using a gradual rinse solution and are sleeping in it overnight their maybe some transfer of the bronzers onto your bed sheets however our products are water-soluble, therefore, in most cases the color will come out in the wash.

Will i turn orange or smell?

Simply put, No. Have you ever had a spray tan or used self tanners that have left you with a funky smell afterwards? This is due to the chemical reaction taking place between your skin and the DHA. Our solutions contain only the highest quality of natural DHA which virtually eliminates sunless odor. In addition, they are in infused with Hyaluronic Acid, luxury botanicals, and collagen among several other moisture rich ingredients and vitamins- you not only get a spray tan …you get a skin treatment! Each ingredient in the solution we use is extremely impactful in skin health and tan longevity.

High pH levels in the skin can sometimes give individuals an undesirable “orange” or “fake” non natural looking color. On the other hand a low pH level could result in the color not developing at all. There can be many reasons for a high or low pH level including hormones, diet, and even products you're using on your skin. To prevent this from happening there are a few things you can do:

In each spray tan session we apply a naturally derived pH balancing spray to your skin to help balance your skin’s pH level for optimal DHA absorption while also soothing and hydrating your skins surface for flawless results each time!

Use natural products on your skin! A properly balanced skin cleaner will not elevate pH levels on this skin.

Over cleansing will dry out your skin and throw your skin’s natural pH off.

Do not use bar soaps or Dove products as these can elevate skin pH levels.

What ingredients are in your solutions?

We only use the highest quality solutions that are all natural, gluten free, paraben and sulfate free, and 100% Vegan. In addition they are packed full of nourishing + hydrating luxury ingredients, gorgeous pre customized bronzers to compliment all skin types and tones creating the most natural developed outcome possible and naturally delivered fresh DHA.

Key Ingredients include

Hyaluronic Acid

Jojoba Seed Oil

Green Tea Extract

Collagen

Hibiscus Petal

Vitamin C and B3

is spray tanning safe during pregnancy?

Yes- our sunless solutions are non toxic and utilize only the best DHA which has been rigorously tested. However we are not medical professionals, and we always recommend advising with a doctor if there are any concerns prior to receiving a spray tan. Also our rooms are ventilated and we provide nose plugs for our pregnant clients.